Beignets

In this instructable I will show you how to make Beignets. This homemade beignet recipe is super easy to make and perfect for breakfast or brunch. These are very similar to the ones that were made in the Princess and the Frog. Beignets are a type of french pastry, basically a deep fried dough, covered in powdered sugar, other toppings include, cinnamon and sugar, honey, various fruit syrups, etc. They are quite popular in the French Quarter of New Orleans here in the States. There are a variety of recipes for beignets, some that require yeast and others that don't. This particular recipe doesn't use yeast in the dough. If I can do it, you can do it! Let's get started!

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Follow the easy steps below or watch the short video tutorial or do both. :)

You may print the recipe here if you like.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cup of All-purpose flour (plain flour) (350g)
• 2 tsp. baking powder (8g)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda (2g)
• 1/2 tsp. of table salt (2g)
• 1 tsp. of cinnamon (4g)
• 1/3 cup of white granulated sugar (65g)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup of water (58ml)
• 1 tsp. of vanilla extract (5ml)
• 1 cup of buttermilk or whole milk (240ml)
• oil for frying

Toppings:

• powdered sugar (confectioner's)
• cinnamon and sugar blend
• honey
• fruit syrups
• maple syrup

Tools:

• bowls
• whisk
• fork
• pot
• tongs
• paper towel
• plate

First let's get a pot of oil going. I just use a deep skillet and fill it half way with oil. We want to let the oil heat up to 325 F (162 C). While the oil is heating up let's make the dough. Then in a large bowl combine the dry ingredients, flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and sugar. Use a whisk to mix them all together.

Next let's combine our wet ingredients. In a different large bowl add the egg, whisk it, then add the water, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, whisking to combine all the ingredients.

Now we need to complete the dough by adding in the dry ingredients a little at a time. I use a whisk for the first bit, then switch to a wooden spoon. You can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment too if you like. Add all the dry ingredients until it forms a nice soft dough.

Now we pour the dough out onto a floured surface. Next we knead the dough for 30 seconds or so, just to be able to shape it into a disk that we can roll out. Now roll out the dough with a rolling pin. Then use a knife or pizza roller to cut it into little squares. Adding more flour as necessary when rolling. Place the dough squares on a plate and take them over to the oil.

Now after the oil has heated up, gently drop in about 4 or 5 of them. They will puff up and get brown on the bottom. Turn them over with tongs so the other side can cook. When both sides are nice and golden brown, remove them and place on a paper towel/kitchen paper lined plate to drain. Each batch only take a few minutes total to cook.

Now we have a pile of awesome beignets, we need to top them with powdered sugar, honey, or cinnamon and white granulated sugar blend. You could set out a variety of fruit dipping sauces as well if you like. Enjoy! :) :)

Now watch those steps in action with the video tutorial. :)